BASIC SAFARI INFORMATION

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GO ON TANZANIA SAFARI

Anytime is a wonderful time to be on safari. April tends to be rainy, but for the more adventurous travelers, we can arrange a private trip for you during that time. At Exposed Africa, we adjust our safari itineraries to take advantage of the best possible game viewing in accordance with the seasonal concentrations of wildlife.

SAFARI PACKING LIST

Baggage should be of the round squashy type rather than hard suitcases that are difficult to fit into jeeps. Try to use something that is both lockable and water proof as luggage can often end up sitting on the roof of the vehicle. It should be noted that the luggage limit per person on domestic flights is 15-20 kg per person (checked-in and hand luggage).

On your inbound flight, don’t check in items that you absolutely need (such as medicines), as it is not uncommon that checked-in luggage gets misdirected and arrives in Tanzania a couple of days after you. It is better to have such items in your hand luggage.

You can leave extra luggage in a locked storage room at our office or the Hotel for no charge.

  • You can leave valuables in a safe deposit box at the Hotel or our office for $5/day.

Footwear

  • Sturdy, comfortable shoes, preferably waterproof. They will get dirty.
  • Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening
  • Comfortable, breathable socks

Clothing

  • Shorts, mid-thigh or longer
  • Lightweight, breathable pants
  • Short-sleeved shirts, cool and breathable
  • Long-sleeved shirt or sweater for evenings
  • Rain racket and pants or rain poncho

Baggage

  • Day pack, for you to carry
  • Large duffel bag or backpack

Sleeping, for camping safaris

  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad and repair kit
  • Tents are supplied by Bujo tours at no charge
  • Foam sleeping pads are provided by Bujo tours at no charge

Other

  • Water bottles, and water purification tablets or purifier

Bottled water is also available normally provided by Bujo tours

  • Sun hat with brim
  • Sunglasses
  • Bandana (for dust, etc.)
  • Money ($400 or more in cash and/or travellers cheques, including some small U.S., Euro, or Tanzanian bills)
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Camera, film/disks, mini-tripod
  • Video camera, tapes
  • Maps, guidebooks
  • Batteries
  • Binoculars
  • Notebook, pencil, and pen
  • Pocket knife
  • Electricity adapter
  • Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
  • Playing cards, games, books, Frisbee, football, kite
  • Chocolate or pens for village children, momentos for guides and other travelers
  • Umbrella, particularly useful in the rainy season, can be purchased in the market for around $2
  • Plastic bags and zip-lock bags for waterproofing
  • Sewing kit
  • Salt, pepper, spices for bland food
  • Business cards
  • Alarm clock
  • Calculator (for currency conversion)
  • Swim suit for hotel swimming pool

Toiletries

  • Toilet paper (and baggie to carry used paper while walking)
  • Small towel
  • Soap
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Handi-wipes (moist towelettes for cleaning)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Lotion
  • Glasses, contacts, solution
  • Comb, mirror

Documents

  • Passport
  • Yellow fever certificate
  • Tanzania Visa
  • Medical insurance
  • Address book
  • Vaccination records
  • Airline tickets
  • Cash, travelers cheques, credit cards
  • Maps, guidebooks
  • Make copies of passport, TZ visa, airline tickets/schedule, travellers cheques numbers. Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy in a separate place in your luggage.

First Aid

  • Ibuprofen, Aceteminophen, or Paracetamol
  • Throat losenges
  • Band aids
  • Moleskin
  • Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
  • Lip balm with sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Disinfectant, Antiseptic cream
  • Bandages and tape
  • Diahrea medicine
  • Antihistemines
  • Ace bandage
  • Melatonin (1-3mg) or other sleep aid
  • Malaria pills (talk to your doctor)
  • Antibiotics (talk to your doctor)
  • Prescription drugs (talk to your doctor)
  • Diamox (talk to your doctor)

Gifts for Guides, Locals

  • Shoes
  • Any warm clothing
  • T-shirts
  • Hats
  • Nerf football, frisbees
  • Candy
  • Pens

Packing for your flight to Africa

  • U-shaped neck pillow (blow-up)
  • Books/magazines
  • Toiletries
  • Snacks
  • Water
  • Walkman and music
  • Eye shades, ear plugs
  • Melatonin or other sleep aid
  • Critical items (in case baggage is delayed)

OUR SAFARI GUIDES

Our guides are skilled, knowledgeable and well-certified. We always believe that the safari guide on your safari is an ambassador of the host company and the country. Our safari guides are outstanding not only for their knowledge of the natural history of the areas we visit, but also in relating the culture and history of their home. They aren’t only there to make sure the vehicle works and to choose the right direction, but also to become friends and make sure that every detail of your journey goes as smoothly as possible. Our dedicated Safari guides take pride in introducing you to their stunning country. Their knowledge of the game parks and wildlife will make our clients not only to enjoy their adventure but also to take memories of the natural beauty of Tanzania back home with them.

By sharing their passion with our guests and explaining the Tanzania cultures, they inspire many of our guests to return. Our professional and registered Safari guides will start your safari tour with an introductory briefing and orientation session, accompany you throughout your tour itinerary and are generally available to answer safari and wildlife questions or make suggestions, if requested.

OUR SAFARI VEHICLES

We have both standard and extended Toyota Land Cruisers. Larger vehicles are available for larger parties at your request. By limiting the number of passengers to 4 per vehicle or 6 passengers for extended vehicle, we ensure each client has a window seat. As a convenience, we provide photo equipment charging plugs in each of our vehicle. All our vehicles are 4×4 Toyota Land cruisers designed to withstand the rugged roads of the bush. All have safari roofs to allow passengers to stand within the vehicle and take photos. Additionally, all our vehicles undergo maintenance after returning from each safari in the bush to ensure your safety.

GETTING TO MOSHI ,KILIMANJARO – TANZANIA

Flights

The flight from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro is approximately 9 1/2 hours. Because of the long flight, we recommend a rest day in Moshi before starting your trek. The airlines that fly into the Kilimanjaro Airport are KLM, Ethiopia Airlines, Air Kenya, Air Tanzania, and Precision Air. Flights between Nairobi and Kilimanjaro cost around $200/person one-way. Flights from Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar are $170-180/person one-way. Flights from Arusha to Zanzibar are around $180/person one-way. Flights from Zanzibar to Nairobi are about $200/person one-way. Flights from the Serengeti are around $200/person one-way to Arusha and $300/person one-way to Zanzibar. International departure tax is $30/person.

Flights into Kilimanjaro vs. Nairobi

Ideally, you want to fly into the Kilimanjaro Airport, which is the closest airport to Moshi, where you will be based for your trek and safari. These flights tend to be more expensive than flying just to Nairobi, but you save travel time and expenses (flights or shuttle bus, Kenya visa, and possible hotel night).

Choosing an Airline

The airlines that fly into the Kilimanjaro Airport are Northwest/KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Kenya, Air Tanzania, and Precision Air. Northwest/KLM has a non-stop from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro. Kenya Air partners with United, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic and goes through Nairobi from various cities in Europe. NOTE: Ethiopian Air flights can be cheap, but we have had problems with them changing flight time and number of stops last minute and often.

You may be able to book flights directly:

  • Precision Air
  • Air Tanzania
  • Air Kenya

KLM and Zanzibar

The KLM flight legs are Amsterdam – Kilimanjaro – Dar es Salaam – Amsterdam. If taking KLM into Kilimanjaro Airport at the beginning, then flying to Zanzibar, you will want to fly back to Dar es Salaam from Zanzibar to catch the KLM flight back to Amsterdam — rather than flying back to Kilimanjaro, getting on the plane and “returning” to Dar, before flying to Amsterdam.

Arrival to Moshi

When you are booking your flight to coincide with your trek or safari start date, be sure to check the arrival time at Kilimanjaro Airport. Some flights arrive late in the evening. We suggest that you then plan a rest day before starting your trek. This eases any jet lag, acclimates you to Africa, and gives time for any lost luggage to arrive. Your Kilimanjaro guide will meet with your group the evening before the trek. This is not possible when you arrive late, so there is a bit of a rush the next morning, if you are starting your trek the next day. The rest day allows time for this meeting, time to get your rental equipment if you need any and time to explore the Moshi area. If you arrive early in the morning to Kilimanjaro Airport, there should be enough time in that same day to acclimatize and get ready for your trek or safari, which can start the next day. On the other hand, you may want to consider a rest day after your trek or safari before heading home. Based on feedback from other trekkers, you get back from the trek mid to late afternoon and are exhausted! If your schedule allows, this rest day is recommended. We provide transportation between the Kilimanjaro Airport and your hotel in Moshi for $60 per vehicle.

FROM/TO ZANZIBAR

Many of our guests go on to Zanzibar after their trek or safari. There are flights from the Kilimanjaro Airport, Arusha Airport, and from the Serengeti. The flights between Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar are $170-200/person one-way. Flights between Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam are $60-80/person one-way. Flights from Zanzibar to Nairobi are around $200/person one-way. Flights from the Serengeti to Zanzibar are around $300/person one-way, and with great views!

Precision Air has the most flights to Zanzibar:

Precision Air allows 23kgs (50 lbs) as checked luggage and 10kgs (22 lbs) as hand luggage.

NOTE FOR DELTA/KLM If you are flying Delta/KLM into the Kilimanjaro Airport at the beginning of your trip and then flying to Zanzibar, you will want to fly back to Dar es Salaam from Zanzibar to catch the KLM flight back to Amsterdam — rather than flying back to Kilimanjaro, getting on the plane and “returning” to Dar es Salaam, before flying to Amsterdam.

NOTE FOR NAIROBI If you are flying into Nairobi at the beginning, then going to Zanzibar after your trek/safari, be sure to get a flight from Zanzibar back to Nairobi, not back to Kilimanjaro. Some flights into Nairobi go through Dar es Salaam on the way back. Again, you can book your return flight from Dar instead of Nairobi to save time and money.

FROM/TO DAR ES SALAAM Buses from Dar are around $25/person one-way and leave at 8:30am. They take 6+ hours. Flights cost about $170-200/person one-way and depart daily from the Kilimanjaro Airport and the Arusha Airport.

FROM/TO ARUSHA Buses goes between Arusha and Moshi all the day time for $3 person one-way. Bujo Tours can arrange for a private car for $80 one-way.

FROM/TO NAIROBI The first option is to take a shuttle bus that leaves every morning around 8am from Nairobi, Kenya. It costs $35-45 per person one way and takes approximately six hours. You can also fly to the Kilimanjaro International Airport, which is located halfway between Moshi and Arusha. This costs around $200 per person one way from Nairobi, Kenya. The third option is to take a private car from Nairobi to Moshi. The car fits 7-8 people and costs $700 total each way, or a mini-bus for $900 total each way (20-25 people). You determine time and place of pick-up.

Shuttle Buses

This is not the most comfortable route (bumpy and dusty), but it is a quintessential African experience. The shuttle stops at the Tanzanian border where all passengers must disembark and go through immigration. A visa is required to enter Tanzania. Luggage may also be removed and randomly inspected by customs agents. There is one bathroom stop on the Kenya side of the border where you can also purchase refreshments. There is also a stop in Arusha to switch vehicles. You may want to bring your own snacks and drinks for the trip. The shuttles pick up at various hotels in the Nairobi city center. Arrive at the shuttle 1/2 hour early to get your luggage loaded. Travel times vary greatly, but allow at least 6 hours. The shuttle operates every day of the year, including holidays. If you take the afternoon shuttle, it only goes as far as Arusha. We can arrange for a private car to drive from Arusha to Moshi for $80 one-way for the car.

HEALTH INFORMATION

The ascent of Kilimanjaro is a strenuous adventure and should not be undertaken if you have any health conditions which may put you at risk. You are strongly advised to consult your physician for a thorough medical check-up and clearance before attempting the mountain.

If you are over 50 years old, talk to your doctor about a stress EKG. Should you require any medication whatsoever, you must provide your own and be able to administer it yourself. Medical supplies in Tanzania are not reliable nor guaranteed.

Talk to your doctor about the following:

Vaccinations

  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Typhoid
  • Yellow Fever
  • Tetanus
  • Polio
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
  • Malaria pills
  • Altitude Sickness (diamox pills)
  • Prescriptions you are currently taking
  • EKG testing

In addition, many people will experience the effects of high altitude. Prepare yourself by reading more about altitude sickness.

It is strongly recommended to have travel insurance and to additionally consider a membership with the AMREF Flying Doctors.

AMREF FLYING DOCTORS

AMREF Flying Doctors air evacuation service

Exposed Africa would like to recommend to all clients to book a membership with the AMREF Flying Doctors of Nairobi. Please inform our staff when you make a booking if you are interested and you can get your insurance coverage vouchers through us.

In case of a medical emergency, there will be one free air ambulance evacuation service from all Tanzanian wilderness areas to Nairobi hospital. There is also a free 24 hours Flying Doctors Emergency Response telephone for medical advice.

AMREF (African Medical and Research Foundation) has been in existence for over 38 years as a non-profit foundation. Headquarters are in Nairobi, Kenya and there are Tanzania offices in Arusha and Dar es Salaam. Unused membership fees go towards funding the work of AMREF outreach and charity evacuations. In Tanzania, AMREF funds The AMREF Mhimbili outreach program which files out specialist doctors to rural areas to treat the less fortunate and train medical staff in those areas.

The costs are as follows:

  • 500km radius from Nairobi (which includes all Northern Tanzanian National Parks, Kilimanjaro and Kenya) 15 US dollars per person for 14 days and 25 US dollars for two months.
  • 1000km radius from Nairobi (which includes all Tanzania, the Islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia, and Kenya) 30 US dollars per person for 14days and 50 US dollars per person for 2 months.

All hospitals costs, medical treatments, medicines, etc. are not included in this service, so it is strongly advisable that additionally to the AMREF membership you hold an adequate travel health insurance. Please note that your contract for this service will be directly with AMREF, NOT with Exposed Africa. Exposed Africa is just an agent for AMREF. So please check all conditions and details on the AMREF website at http://www.amref.org

BEST ROUTE FOR TANZANIA SAFARI

You simply can’t beat northern Tanzania for wildlife concentrations. Most people have heard of the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater and the wide array of wildlife dwelling on the crater floor. Most have heard of the vast Serengeti savanna, which hosts the annual migration of wildebeest and the predators that follow in its wake. This is only the beginning of the natural phenomena awaiting your discovery on a safari to Tanzania. Guests of Exposed Africa consistently tell us the wildlife they experienced far surpassed their most optimistic expectations.

THE GREAT WILDLIFE MIGRATIONS

Every year, over one million wildebeest move through the Serengeti plains in search of food and water. The phenomenon of these animals moving en mass through the African savanna is known as the Migration. Their movement is driven by the seasonal rains that water their grazing pastures. It is impossible to predict in advance exactly how or when this progression will take place, but there is a pattern. Generally from mid-December through May the herds feed in the southern Serengeti. During February thousands of calves appear on the plains. Between June and July, the wildebeest begin their annual migration north reaching the Mara River that marks the Kenyan border sometime between the ends of July and beginning of August. After the first short rains, usually in the beginning of November, the herds move back into Tanzania’s Serengeti and make their way to the southern pastures where they rest and feed through the rains until their search for better grazing leads them to begin their annual migration once again. Even when the “migration” moves into Kenya for the summer months, there are many resident herds in the Serengeti and there is always an incredible array of wildlife to experience there. Also, in the summer months, this is the height of the dry season thousands of elephant congregate around the Tarangire River. This park is at its prime during these months and we adjust our itineraries to take advantage of the prime wildlife viewing there. Each time of year offers the visitor to Tanzania a special opportunity for wildlife viewing.

TANZANIA SAFETY AND SECURITY

Today’s modern safari is a far cry from the rugged safaris of the past and the images we see in old movies. After a stimulating day of wildlife viewing, you can relax at comfortable, attractive lodges, with amenities like swimming pools, full service restaurants and en-suite bathrooms. Located right in the heart of scenic settings within wildlife reserves, the lodges and Safaris are close to nature, but not too close for comfort. Askari (night watchmen) patrol the grounds at night, just to make sure that all is well. Tanzania is one of Africa’s most stable countries, where you’ll receive a warm welcome from its gracious people. Every care is taken to ensure your health and safety on safari.

TANZANIA VISA

In Tanzania, tourist visas may be issued as single or multiple entry permits and are valid for a maximum period of three or six months respectively. As with short-term visit visas and business visas is many destinations, these time limits are the maximum period for visas may be granted but do not necessarily reflect the grant that will be issued. Requirements: – Photocopy of round-trip, airline tickets or itinerary. – Photocopy of the statement showing sufficient funds for the trip.

Can we get our visa on arrival? Yes, you can get a visa on arrival at the airport or at any entry point into Tanzania such as at Julius K. Nyerere International Airport (JNIA), Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), Zanzibar International Airport (ZIA), Namanga, Sirari and Horohoro (Tanzania – Kenya Border Post to the North), Tunduma (Tanzania – Malawi Border post to the South), Taveta and Holili (Tanzania – Kenya Border post to the North East), Kigoma port and other gazetted entry points

Visa Application Applicants for the entry visa to Tanzania must meet all the necessary requirements. These include the submission of the following: 1. Filled in Application Forms – download 2. Valid Passport (at least not less than six months from the date of entry) 3. Two Passport Size photographs 4. Supporting letter (for Business visas) 5. Special delivery – prepaid self-addressed envelope for return of the Passport (for postal application) 6. If applied by post please send the original receipt from bank or postal order

You can apply for the tourist Visa at the Tanzanian embassies and consulates in your country of residency. Some embassies offer the application form online, but the application process still takes time.

You need a passport valid for at least six months from the date when entering the country. If you are planning to enter the country on more than one occasion on this trip, then you may be able to get a multiple entry visa.

US passport holders pay 100 US$ for standard single, double and multiple entry visa. Canadian passport holders pay 75 US$. EU citizens and most other nationals pay 50 US$ or 50 €.

You can obtain the following visas in Tanzania, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Cong, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Website of Tanzania embassies;

USA htt://WWW.tanzaniaembassy-us.org

Canada htt://WWW.tzrepottawa.ca

UK htt://WWW.tanzania-online.gov.uk

Germany htt://WWW.tanzania-gov.de

View a list of Tanzania embassies in other countries; htt//WWW.advance-africa.com/Tanzania-Embassy-Addresses.html

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Make sure that you have a travel health care insurance.

It should at least cover:

  • Costs for doctors, hospital and medicines
  • Emergency medical transportation (minimum of $25,000)

If you wish, you can also purchase a more comprehensive Travelguard . You have made a significant investment in your travel plans and while in most cases everything will run smoothly, situations may arise on or before your trip that are outside of our control as your travel agent and for which we cannot be held responsible. A travel insurance may help to make your trip more worry-free by protecting your investment and yourself.

Travel insurances can cover expenses resulting from situations such as:

  • Trip Cancellation and Interruption due to sickness/death of you, a family member, or a travel companion
  • Emergency Medical Transportation
  • Trip and Baggage Delay
  • Lost or Stolen Baggage
  • Doctor and Hospital Payments
  • Travel Accidents
  • Weather delays

We can recommend the travel insurance offered by Travelguard & Travel Insurance Center.

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